Poverty is one of the most pressing problems around the world. According to statistics from the World Bank, nearly one-quarter of the global population lives at or below the poverty line of $1.25 per day.[i] With so many people struggling for basic subsistence, it is hard for those affected to get out of poverty, gain access to capital, or develop small firms or businesses that help them build a better life. Yet with the growth of mobile technology, there are new opportunities for individuals … [Read more...]
Alleviating Poverty: Mobile Communications, Micro-finance, Small Business Development
May 21, 2013 by
Africa, Top Five Reasons Why Should Be a Global Priority
April 12, 2013 by
Africa, a Continent from Hopeless through Rising to Hopeful For over a decade now, the continent of Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, has undergone a major transformation. In 2000, The Economist referred to Africa as the “Hopeless Continent.” This nickname was based on an evaluation of the many disadvantages that characterized the continent: poverty and disease, cycles of conflict, military and dictatorial one-party states, etc. Despite large endowments of natural resources, the … [Read more...]
Kenya goes to the Polls on Monday, MAR 4, 2013 – Brookings
February 28, 2013 by
On Monday, Kenyans will head to the polls to elect their fourth president in the most crucial election the country has held since its independence. This is first election since 2007, when post-election violence erupted, killing over 1,000 Kenyans. In this week's Global Update, my colleagues and I from the Brookings Africa Growth Initiative weigh in on Kenya’s upcoming election, reflecting on 2007, and asking important questions about Kenya’s future as a democracy. This historic event … [Read more...]
Africa, Top Priorities for the Continent in 2013
January 11, 2013 by
Africa, Top Priorities for the Continent in 2013 Africa starts 2013 with hope and optimism. Africa has dropped its mantle as a “doomed continent” and has weathered several global economic crises fairly well. Today, the continent is a land of opportunity both for Africans and international investors. Many now see the region as “emerging Africa” because of the "positive changes" that have taken place and continue to take place across the continent. Each year, the Africa Growth … [Read more...]
International Literacy Day – Program of Events September 7, 2012
August 28, 2012 by
International Literacy Day - Program of Events September 7, 2012 Ronald Reagan Building (RRB), 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20004 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER! 8:30 - 9:15 AM Registration, Breakfast, and Pre-show (RRB Amphitheater) A light breakfast hosted by The Brookings Institution. Come network, register and enjoy some pre-show activities, videos and messages. 9:15 AM Celebrating Literacy Day, including All Children Reading: A Grand … [Read more...]
Women Leadership: Strategies for Success, Series start October 12, 2011
August 10, 2011 by
Women's Leadership: Strategies for Success Series starts October 12, 2011 Join other women on the fast-track to senior federal leadership positions and develop strategies for success that capitalize on distinctive female strengths while avoiding potential pitfalls. In a tailored, nine-month program, women across federal agencies will strengthen their leadership and explore how to ascend the ladder of success while maintaining authenticity and balance. The Strategies for … [Read more...]
Congressional Redistricting – USA Status Report Event
July 5, 2011 by
Congressional Redistricting - A Status Report July 18, 2011 Event Summary The drawing of legislative district boundaries is arguably among the most self-interested and least transparent systems in American democracy. Every ten years redistricting authorities, usually state legislatures, redraw congressional and legislative lines in accordance with Census reapportionment and population shifts within states. Most state redistricting authorities are in the midst of … [Read more...]
Suzanne Maloney: What Bin Laden's Death Means for Iran?
May 9, 2011 by
... effects on Iran ... What Bin Laden's Death Means for Iran? The death of Osama bin Laden highlights what a difference a decade makes, even for a country as seemingly unchanging as the Islamic Republic of Iran. Ten years ago, in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, Iranians and their government responded with sympathetic outrage. Tehran was the scene of spontaneous candlelight vigils by ordinary Iranians and a temporary suspension of the weekly chants of “death to … [Read more...]
Suzanne Maloney: What Bin Laden’s Death Means for Iran?
May 9, 2011 by
... effects on Iran ... What Bin Laden's Death Means for Iran? The death of Osama bin Laden highlights what a difference a decade makes, even for a country as seemingly unchanging as the Islamic Republic of Iran. Ten years ago, in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, Iranians and their government responded with sympathetic outrage. Tehran was the scene of spontaneous candlelight vigils by ordinary Iranians and a temporary suspension of the weekly chants of “death to … [Read more...]
CHINA: New Interest in Chinese Foreign Policy
April 18, 2011 by
Celebrating growth in relations with our neighbour, CHINA! "Erica Downs, a fellow at the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings, gave the following testimony before the U.S.-China Economic & Security Review Commission, in a hearing titled: "China's Foreign Policy: Challenges and Players." I first would like to thank the members of the Commission for the opportunity to testify. It is an honor to participate in this hearing. My remarks today will focus on how … [Read more...]
The Chinese-Iranian Oil Connection ~ Sanctions
March 2, 2011 by
Getting China to Sanction Iran The Chinese-Iranian Oil Connection For more than three decades, the United States has tried to persuade the international community to counter the threat posed by Iran's Islamic regime. The results have often been underwhelming, with even Washington's closest allies resisting tough measures against Iran because of strategic considerations and commercial … [Read more...]
Sudan’s Referendum: Understanding the Economics of Peace
January 14, 2011 by
Sudan Referendum The Brookings Institute reports... Sudan’s Referendum: Understanding the Economics of Peace The Brookings Institution January 2011 — On January 9, the people of Southern Sudan started voting to become the world’s newest country and the first new African nation in decades. The voting stems from the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA); and the expected outcome, assumed to result in the south’s independence, will have an enormous impact on the economies of … [Read more...]
